Understanding SSL Certificate Types: DV, OV, and EV
Learn the key differences between certificate validation levels and how to choose the right one for your needs
Quick Overview
Domain Validation (DV)
Verifies domain ownership only
Issued in: 5 minutes
From $36.75/year1
Organization Validation (OV)
Verifies domain + business identity
Issued in: 1-3 days
From $48.40/year1
Extended Validation (EV)
Maximum validation + trust indicators
Issued in: 1-5 days
From $239.50/year1
Domain Validation (DV) Certificates
Best for: Personal websites, blogs, portfolios, internal sites
SSL.com Basic SSL: From $36.75/year • $10,000 warranty1
What is Domain Validation?
Domain Validation certificates verify only that you control the domain. The Certificate Authority (CA) confirms domain ownership through automated methods like email validation, DNS record verification, or file upload to your web server.2
DV Certificate Features
- Quick Issuance: Usually within 5 minutes
- 256-bit Encryption: Same as all SSL types
- Browser Padlock: Shows secure connection
- Cost-Effective: Most affordable option
DV Limitations
- • No organization information displayed
- • Lower warranty amounts ($10,000)1
- • Not suitable for e-commerce
- • Limited trust indicators
Organization Validation (OV) Certificates
Best for: Business websites, B2B services, professional services
SSL.com High Assurance SSL: From $48.40/year • $50,000 warranty1
What is Organization Validation?
OV certificates verify both domain ownership and the legitimacy of the organization behind it. The CA validates your business registration, physical address, and phone number through official records and direct contact.3
OV Certificate Features
- Business Verification: Company in certificate
- Enhanced Trust: Shows business legitimacy
- Higher Warranties: $50,000-$250,0001
- Moderate Issuance: 1-3 business days
Validation Process
- 1. Domain ownership verification
- 2. Business registration check
- 3. Phone call verification
- 4. Address confirmation
Extended Validation (EV) Certificates
Best for: E-commerce, banks, financial services, high-trust sites
SSL.com Enterprise EV SSL: From $239.50/year • $1,750,000 warranty1
What is Extended Validation?
EV certificates provide the highest level of validation and trust. They require rigorous vetting following guidelines set by the CA/Browser Forum. The result is maximum visual trust indicators in browsers.4
EV Certificate Features
- Company Name: Visible in browser
- Highest Trust: Maximum indicators
- Largest Warranties: Up to $1.75M1
- Rigorous Vetting: Most thorough process
EV Requirements
- 1. All OV requirements plus:
- 2. Legal existence verification
- 3. Physical presence check
- 4. Applicant authority verification
- 5. Independent source verification
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | DV | OV | EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validation Level | Domain only | Domain + Organization | Extensive verification |
| Issuance Time | 5 minutes | 1-3 days | 1-5 days |
| Trust Indicators | Padlock only | Padlock + Company in details | Padlock + Company visible |
| Warranty1 | $10,000 | $50,000-$250,000 | $1,000,000+ |
| Price Range1 | $36.75+/year | $48.40+/year | $239.50+/year |
| Best For | Personal sites | Business sites | E-commerce/Finance |
Special Certificate Types
Wildcard Certificates
Wildcard certificates (available in OV) secure unlimited subdomains with one certificate. Perfect for *.yourdomain.com. SSL.com Wildcard SSL from $224.25/year.1
Multi-Domain (UCC/SAN) Certificates
Secure multiple different domains with one certificate. Available in both OV and EV. SSL.com UCC/SAN from $141.60/year.1
How to Choose the Right Certificate
Choose DV if:
- You have a personal blog or portfolio
- You need encryption quickly (within minutes)
- Budget is a primary concern
- You don't collect sensitive information
Choose OV if:
- You run a business website
- You want to display company credibility
- You need higher warranty protection
- You have multiple subdomains (Wildcard OV)
Choose EV if:
- You process online payments
- You handle sensitive customer data
- Maximum trust is essential
- You're in finance, healthcare, or e-commerce
Ready to Choose Your Certificate?
Use our interactive SSL Certificate Selector Tool for a personalized recommendation, or explore our complete certificate offerings.
Sources & References
- 1 SSL.com Certificate Types, Pricing, and Warranty Information:https://www.ssl.com/certificates/(Accessed: July 15, 2025)
- 2 Domain Validation Methods and Process:https://www.ssl.com/faqs/what-is-domain-validation/(Accessed: July 15, 2025)
- 3 Organization Validation Requirements:https://www.ssl.com/faqs/what-is-organization-validation-ov/(Accessed: July 15, 2025)
- 4 Extended Validation Guidelines - CA/Browser Forum:https://cabforum.org/extended-validation/(Accessed: July 15, 2025)
This guide provides general information about SSL certificate types. Specific features and pricing may vary. For current pricing and features, please visit SSL.com directly or contact our consulting team for enterprise solutions.